Major grass fire breaks out in Exeter as people told to avoid area

• Fire crews rushed to tackle a major grass fire at Mincinglake Valley Park in Exeter on Tuesday afternoon.
• Local residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed and people were told to avoid the area as firefighters worked to contain the blaze .
• Multiple fire engines were also called to separate blazes in Cranbrook near Exeter airport affecting conifer trees and crops.
• The incidents occurred as nearly three-quarters of England was placed in drought status following the driest July in 190 years.
• High temperatures of up to 36C and further dry weather are forecast, with August seeing just five per cent of its expected rainfall so far.

IN FULL

Large fire breaks out in Exeter park sending smoke across city